But it also brought about mutual admiration between hard-hitting strong safeties Roy Williams of the Cowboys and John Lynch of the Broncos. The two are the last of a dying breed of NFL safeties, whose forte is to hit first and ask questions (ie..cover) later.

“We respect each others game,” Williams said. “I respect his game. I know what he has done.”Lynch, a 15-year year veteran who says he sees a lot of himself in Williams, said the two players have gotten to know each other over the years at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He said Williams has always been respectful and has come to him to pick his brain.

Lynch likes the way the Cowboys are going to use Williams in Wade Phillips’ new scheme.“I’m excited for him, just hearing what they’re doing with him, getting him in the mix, getting him more involved,” Lynch said. ‘ He’s an impact player. He makes plays. He can do a lot of different things, but I think his skills are best suited.... I haven’t seen it, but from what they’re talking about the way they’re using him sounds good for him.”